The saga between cornerback Marshon Lattimore and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans continues.
In 2017, both players had an in-game scuffle after Lattimore made fun of then-Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston.
Lattimore pushed Winston after the play-caller poked his helmet, leading to Evans charging the defensive back.
Five years later, Winston is now with the New Orleans Saints, but Lattimore and Evans had a round two.
This time, Lattimore had some words with Tom Brady, who returned the pleasantries.
That altercation led to a bench-clearing brawl with Evans and Lattimore hitting each other.
Both players were ejected after the melee.
However, the Saints gained an edge after the league gave Evans a one-game suspension.
The NFL upheld Mike Evans’ one-game suspension for hitting Saints’ CB Marshon Lattimore. Evans is now officially out for Sunday’s game vs. the Green Bay Packers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2022
ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted, “The NFL upheld Mike Evans’ one-game suspension for hitting Saints’ CB Marshon Lattimore. Evans is officially out for Sunday’s game vs. the Green Bay Packers.”
That’s a big blow for the Buccaneers as they face the confident Packers.
Their wide receiver corps is already in shambles due to the injuries of Chris Godwin, Breshad Perriman, and Julio Jones.
The short rotation prompted Tampa Bay to sign Cole Beasley to their practice squad.
That dynamic allows the team to elevate him to the active roster if necessary.
Positives For The Buccaneers
The Bucs have yet to lose after two games despite their struggles on offense.
Credit their defense for limiting the Saints and the Dallas Cowboys to a combined 13 points.
Likewise, they dodged a bullet when running back Leonard Fournette did not receive a suspension after being one of the active participants in that fight.
He can serve as a threat in both the pass and the run game.
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